Juno (2007)
Juno (2007) 8/10
To quote the title character Juno, this film is stupendous. Razor sharp wit and dialogue from Diablo Cody paired with an assured directorial effort by Jason Reitman makes Juno the little indie film that could. Touted as this year’s breakaway hit, Juno is smart, sassy and utterly enjoyable. And this compliment applies to both the film and the eponymous lead character, played with gusto and aplomb by the incredibly talented Ellen Page. Proving that her memorable performance in Hard Candy was no fluke, Ellen Page is simply mesmerizing as Juno and carries the whole film on her own shoulders. I cannot imagine anyone else giving such a pitch perfect performance. Such is Page’s charisma and screen presence that it is almost impossible to hate Juno. Its just not possible. Juno is a film that will just melt hearts and charm everyone. Page is surrounded by a solid and impeccable supporting cast, including yet another high profile role by the geeky yet strangely likable Michael Cera, following his performance earlier in Superbad. But lets be clear: the script, the directing and the supporting cast is excellent but it is Ellen Page that propels this film from being merely good to another level altogether. Ellen Page probably won’t win any acting accolades for Juno- not because of merit but because of the sheer unlikelihood that Oscars will give a Best Actress nod to someone so young. But she is clearly destined for greatness and if she keeps up her smart film choices, she is definitely Best Actress calibre.
This is a year where unexpected pregnancies spawned a subgenre of films by itself, with the triumvirate of Knocked Up, Waitress and Juno which were all critically acclaimed and which i enjoyed immensely. Juno proves to be the best of the bunch, with Roger Ebert naming it the best film of 2007. I won’t go that far, but certainty Juno has a firm spot in my top 10 list of this year. Juno is a movie with a heart, and its one you won’t regret watching.
“Juno is the kind of the film where a viewer almost needs to look for a reason to dislike it for it not to work. It’s charming without being saccharine. It’s funny without being rude or dishonest. It’s smart without being smart-assed. And it’s got enough heart to keep the comedic elements in check.”- James Berardinelli
“Jason Reitman’s “Juno” is just about the best movie of the year. It is very smart, very funny and very touching; it begins with the pacing of a screwball comedy and ends as a portrait of characters we have come to love.”- Roger Ebert
